Ho Chi Minh City PE teacher, world Vovinam gold medalist, awarded First-Class Labor Order

The 28-year-old athlete won one gold and one silver medal at the eighth World Vovinam Championships in Indonesia in 2025.

Receiving the prestigious state award shortly before Vietnamese Teachers' Day (November 20) made the honor even more meaningful to him.

“I feel twice as happy to receive the decision to award me the First-Class Labor Order so close to November 20. It is an immense honor and source of pride for me,” Thanh said.

From martial artist to teacher

Thanh developed a passion for martial arts at an early age after seeing a nearby Vovinam club in action and deciding to join.

His talent was soon recognized, and he began competing professionally near the end of seventh grade, gradually progressing through city- and national-level tournaments before joining Vietnam's national Vovinam team.

Before his world-championship success, Thanh won a silver medal at the Southeast Asian Vovinam Championships in Cambodia in 2023.

Thanh said he had initially pursued a career as an athlete before having the opportunity to become a teacher while at university.

“Becoming an athlete came first. It was only when I was at university that I had the opportunity to enter the teaching profession,” he recalled.

Thanh emphasized that he wanted to pass on his sporting experience and contributions to future generations of students, inspiring them to become motivated, disciplined and responsible.

“My greatest happiness would be to see my students follow my example, work hard and become even better than their teacher,” he said.

Balancing teaching and professional competition

Balancing his teaching career with professional competition requires Thanh to follow a strict daily schedule.

He teaches physical education at Bui Thi Xuan High School from 7:00 am to 3:15 pm before joining the national Vovinam team for training from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

His world-championship medals are the result of years of intensive training, during which he also suffered injuries.

In 2024, the demanding training schedule left him with injuries to his shoulder and leg.

Thanh said he had to undergo rehabilitation while continuing light training to maintain his form.

The injuries also made teaching more challenging, as he could not demonstrate physically demanding movements to students.

Instead, he focused on explaining the theory and sharing his experience with them.

Thanh also said he felt a strong sense of responsibility when competing internationally, as wearing the Vietnamese national uniform and carrying the national flag meant representing the country.

Although he initially felt nervous, he reminded himself to control his emotions and perform to the best of his ability to bring glory to Vietnam.

Huynh Thanh Phu, principal of Bui Thi Xuan High School, described Thanh as a dynamic young teacher and Party member who sets an example through his determination and talent.

Offering advice to young people pursuing their passions, Thanh said success requires effort, discipline and responsibility.

“Never underestimate yourself. Keep training diligently to become a better version of yourself every day,” he said.